The Effects of Partial Replacement of Virgin Polyethylene (vPE) with Recycled Polyethylene (rPE) in vPE/rPE/Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) Blends: Thermal Properties and Swelling Behaviour

摘要

Studies on the thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) had been extensively done. The incorporation of recycled materials into the TPEs formulation had been analysed, particularly involving recycled plastic due to its properties. The effects of partial replacement of virgin polyethylene (vPE) with recycled polyethylene (rPE) on the thermal properties and swelling behaviour of vPE/rPE/EPDM blends were studied. The discarded polyethylene used in the study was obtained from local wire insulation industry. The thermal properties and swelling behaviour of the blends were analyzed. Results show that increasing of sulfur loading had improved the thermal stability of the blends. The swelling percentage and swelling index of vPE/rPE/EPDM blends also decreased, inversely proportional to the increasing of sulfur loading. Thus, the increased incorporation of sulfur loading had improved the chemical and oil resistance of the blends.